Ganz on Abu Mazen: "Climbs a tree that will be difficult for him to get off" | Israel today

Defense Minister Bnei Gantz today (Saturday) responded for the first time to an ultimatum issued by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to negotiations with Israel, saying that he "climbed a tall tree that would be difficult to get off." 

Ganz said these things in an interview with News 13 and clarified that despite Abu Mazen's remarks, he would like to meet with him again.

Ganz said in a statement that: "The fact that he (Abu Mazen) continues to call for a political solution is good, but he issued an ultimatum and climbed a tree that is difficult to get off."

"No one is going anywhere. It is important to recognize this and the only way to deal with this reality is to develop security, develop the economy and strengthen the governance of the Palestinian Authority," the defense minister added.

Ganz also addressed the issue of the Iranian threat and hinted at Israel's capabilities to act against Iran.

It is important to remember that Iran is a global, regional and also a problem of the State of Israel, I do not underestimate the threat to Israel but we as a country must ensure and make efforts not to deal with this issue alone - but in an international partnership.

"I met with both sides of the US House of Representatives and given that it is not possible to reach a broader agreement, I hope that the Americans and the Europeans will understand that there should be a second plan," Ganz said.